Do you throw out food based on “expires on” or “use by” dates?
Johns Hopkins researchers reported that 84 percent of people surveyed do. They assume these labels are regulated by law and mean that “outdated” food is no longer safe or,at best ,of reduced quality. They’re wrong.These dates are not required but are simply manufacturer suggestions. Nevertheless,they result in significant waste of perfectly good food and,perhaps not coincidentally,increased sales.
If a food looks,smells,or tastes off,toss it.But don’t depend on expiration dates to determine if food is edible.
Tom Rossi RPH (consulting pharmacist)